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Williams Commission report calls for fewer councils Williams Commission report calls for fewer councils
(about 1 hour later)
Councils in Wales should merge leaving 10, 11 or 12 local authorities rather than the current 22, a report has recommended.Councils in Wales should merge leaving 10, 11 or 12 local authorities rather than the current 22, a report has recommended.
The Williams Commission said the changes must be agreed by Easter this year at the latest.The Williams Commission said the changes must be agreed by Easter this year at the latest.
The reorganisation suggests reducing council numbers by mergers using existing boundaries.The reorganisation suggests reducing council numbers by mergers using existing boundaries.
Opposition AMs have said they are concerned about the potential costs and loss of local identity in some areas.Opposition AMs have said they are concerned about the potential costs and loss of local identity in some areas.
The report, by former NHS Wales chief executive Paul Williams, considers how many areas of public services can be improved and made more accountable.The report, by former NHS Wales chief executive Paul Williams, considers how many areas of public services can be improved and made more accountable.
Attention is focused on the recommendations for local authorities, last reorganised two decades ago.Attention is focused on the recommendations for local authorities, last reorganised two decades ago.
The report recommends the new councils should be within current health board and police force areas and also not cross the geographical areas governing eligibility for EU aid.The report recommends the new councils should be within current health board and police force areas and also not cross the geographical areas governing eligibility for EU aid.
The report said change must be implemented "quickly and decisively".The report said change must be implemented "quickly and decisively".
"We have reflected very carefully on our findings and conclusions on this issue. We are well aware that what we propose will incur costs, and will be disruptive and controversial - but we are convinced that doing nothing would be worse," it added."We have reflected very carefully on our findings and conclusions on this issue. We are well aware that what we propose will incur costs, and will be disruptive and controversial - but we are convinced that doing nothing would be worse," it added.
The report has concluded, as a minimum, the following local authorities should merge:The report has concluded, as a minimum, the following local authorities should merge:
With Carmarthenshire, Powys and Swansea unchanged, this would yield 12 authorities.With Carmarthenshire, Powys and Swansea unchanged, this would yield 12 authorities.
Using these mergers as building blocks, the report said, there were other viable possibilities resulting in 11 or 10 local authorities.Using these mergers as building blocks, the report said, there were other viable possibilities resulting in 11 or 10 local authorities.
Swansea could merge with Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend to form a single local authority, giving 11 local authorities in total.Swansea could merge with Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend to form a single local authority, giving 11 local authorities in total.
That single local authority would serve a relatively large population, although there are more populous local authorities in both England and Scotland. This would support current growth of a "vibrant economy" along the M4, said the report.
It is also an option to merge Carmarthenshire with Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire to form a single local authority, again yielding 11 local authorities in total.It is also an option to merge Carmarthenshire with Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire to form a single local authority, again yielding 11 local authorities in total.
"While this area has some things in common in economic, demographic and linguistic terms it is also geographically very large and diverse," the report said.
It added delivering services across such an area and generating fair and effective democratic governance would be "challenging".
The cost of merging Welsh councils could be met from savings made within as little as 18 months to two-and-a-half years, the Williams report predicted.The cost of merging Welsh councils could be met from savings made within as little as 18 months to two-and-a-half years, the Williams report predicted.
While it does not put a figure on the costings, the report said: "If merger is implemented properly and with pace, it can protect front-line services and jobs sustainably and effectively. That alone makes a compelling case for the changes we propose." While it does not put a figure on the costing, the report said: "If merger is implemented properly and with pace, it can protect front-line services and jobs sustainably and effectively. That alone makes a compelling case for the changes we propose."
Smaller local councils are much more likely to suffer problems, the Williams report said, because they lack the "leadership, managerial and professional expertise" of bigger ones.
While some smaller bodies are "exceptionally well-led" they may find it harder to "attract and retain high-calibre leaders".
The report says one small council has had seven directors of education in the past seven years.
Smaller organisations also show evidence of "excessive costs and overheads".
The report also said fire and ambulance services should work more closely together.The report also said fire and ambulance services should work more closely together.
"While there are some local examples of good joint working, they are sporadic and piecemeal," it said. 'Change inevitable'
Sir Paul said both services must deliver a strategic plan for operational co-ordination.
"Subject to the findings of the second phase of the Silk Commission and their implementation, the Welsh government should consider extending this approach across all three emergency services," the report said.;
Responding to the report, First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "This report addresses many issues that are critical at a time when the need for public services is outstripping the resources available to provide them. I have always been clear that the status quo is not an option.Responding to the report, First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "This report addresses many issues that are critical at a time when the need for public services is outstripping the resources available to provide them. I have always been clear that the status quo is not an option.
"Change is inevitable and essential so that our public services can become more efficient, effective, accessible and responsive.""Change is inevitable and essential so that our public services can become more efficient, effective, accessible and responsive."
Janet Finch-Saunders AM, shadow minister for local government, said: "What matters to the vast majority of hardworking families is not the intricate structures of local government, but knowing that services will be delivered in an efficient and cost effective way. Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said: "From a local perspective it is almost inevitable now that the Vale of Glamorgan will be amalgamated with Cardiff, as is the case with health in the area. However, it should be remembered that big is not always beautiful.
"We believe that public services are best delivered locally so taxpayers can hold local representatives to account for what happens in their community." "The whole process should be underpinned by a debate about what services we as residents expect local authorities to deliver. Ultimately it would be a sad day for democracy in Wales if any systemic reform leads communities to feel greater disconnect with local authorities."
Peter Black AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesman for local government, said: "The next local government reorganisation must be for keeps. We cannot afford to be considering ripping it up and starting again in 15 or 20 years time."
"I'm prepared to support re-organisation if we get it right. That means having councils which are representative, with a fair voting system such as the single transferable vote, so that the outcome of elections are reflected in the way councils are elected."
Plaid Cymru AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas said the government needed to take "direct" action.Plaid Cymru AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas said the government needed to take "direct" action.
"The weight of evidence presented to the Williams Commission shows that if the people of Wales are going to get the services they need and deserve then there has to be a radical improvement in the way public services are delivered," he said."The weight of evidence presented to the Williams Commission shows that if the people of Wales are going to get the services they need and deserve then there has to be a radical improvement in the way public services are delivered," he said.
Chair of the commission, Sir Paul Williams, said he was "very pleased" with the report, and public services in Wales faced "severe and prolonged challenges".
"Radical change is needed for public services to survive in a viable and sustainable form," he said.
But leader of Pembrokeshire council Jamie Adams said the "projected benefits are superficial".
"It is a gamble and with every gamble there is a risk," he said.